Stars and supporters gather for SSAFA’s annual Christmas Carol Concert

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity recently hosted its annual Christmas Carol Concert at the Guards’ Chapel at Wellington Barracks in central London.
The concert, which is held each year in support of SSAFA’s work with serving personnel, veterans and their families, brought together a distinguished line up of readers and performers. Rowan Atkinson CBE was among this year’s readers. The evening included a memorable rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas – A Correspondence to an audience that included His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent. James Cracknell OBE read the lesson of The Shepherds. The programme also featured Air Marshal Paul Lloyd with the lesson of the Angel Gabriel, Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker with the lesson of No Room at the Inn, and General Sir James Hockenhull KBE ADC Gen with the lesson of the Three Kings.
A powerful moment in the evening came from Gerry Corkery, SSAFA Caseworker for London Central, who spoke about the uncomfortable truth, which is that for many veterans, Christmas can be a time of isolation rather than celebration. He reminded the audience that those who once served their country can find themselves living on the periphery of society due to circumstances such as job loss, relationship breakdown or poor mental health.
Gerry shared the stories of a beneficiaries, Nick, who reached out to SSAFA in moments of deep crisis. Thanks to SSAFA’s caseworkers and volunteers, Nick was supported to rebuild his life. Read Nick’s story here: Christmas | SSAFA
Speaking about the Armed Forces community, Gerry said: “It is because of these people and their stories that I, together with over 2,000 others, volunteer for SSAFA. For 140 years, caseworkers like me have stood shoulder to shoulder with those who serve, veterans and their families, to ensure people don’t slip through the cracks and have to battle alone.”
Performances throughout the evening included uplifting contributions from SSAFA Ambassador mezzo-soprano Friederike Krum, tenor Thomas Elwin, the band of the Yeomanry and the Chapel Choir. Their combined performances, together with the readings, created a warm and reflective atmosphere inside the Chapel.
SSAFA National Vice Chair, Lady Walmsley said “Candlelight, carols and a packed Chapel made for a wonderful evening, with moments that were both joyful and moving. Rowan Atkinson’s reading was a real highlight, and Gerry Corkery’s honest words reminded us why SSAFA’s work matters so deeply.”